May 16th, Sandusky Speedway
More details at the Sandusky Speedway website!!
Results
Sandusky Speedway, Sandusky, OH (1/2 mile paved)
Qualified: 9th (19.264 sec)
Heat: Started-1st, Finished-6th
Crack the Whip: Started-1st, Finished-3rd
Feature: Started-8th, Finished-7th
Two weeks ago we raced the modified for the first time where we learned a lot, and as a result, made some pretty big changes to the car's front geometry. So, we were pretty excited to get back to the track this week to see how those changes affected the car, even with the threat of rain in the forecast. In the Hot Lap sessions, the car did feel a lot different, being more stable on entry; however, the car started to push at the center of the turn which continued the rest of the way through the turn. Those hot laps sessions and qualifying moved pretty quick, so we couldn't make too many changes in between. The changes we made helped a little, but still didn't cure the main issue. Our qualifying time put us 9th out of the 10 cars that had signed-in, but one developed engine problems and had to withdrawal for the night. With just nine cars, we only ran one heat which was a totally inverted line-up which put me on the pole. On the start, the outside car was able to get a better jump and led going into 1 and out of 2. The track seemed clear so I started to move up, but felt a little nudge from behind and I held my line. As we came through 3 and 4, they called a caution because a couple cars got tangle up behind us. Since a lap wasn't complete, the track officials called for a complete restart. On the restart, I was able to get the jump heading into the first turn, but as I was putting the power down coming out of 2, the car got extremely loose, actually spinning the wheels and shashaying back and forth. A lot of the field was able to get by while I gathered the car up, and I settle in at 6th. The car had become very loose coming off the turns, and I ended up spinning coming out of 4 after a few laps. I ended up 6th in the Heat after driving much more cautious for the rest of the race.
The next race we ran was a Crack the Whip race. Basically, the cars line-up single file slowest to fastest. The race distance is the amount of cars in the race, so if there are 8 cars, there are 8 laps. After the first lap, the car that crosses the finish line last is eliminated from the race. So, since were clocked in the 9th fastest time, we started first for the Crack the Whip race. Only 6 cars were able to make it out due to damage from the heat race. We had made some adjustments to fix the loose off condition from the heat, and the car handled much better. I was able to lead the first 4 laps until getting passed by the two remaining cars going down the backstretch. The car still pushed a little center off, but wasn't as bad as before. So, I was eliminated with one lap to go, and was scored as finishing 3rd.
The final race of the evening was the Feature. We ended up starting 8th because not all of the cars were able to get their problems sorted out. The first half of the race the rest of the field was able to get away, but I was getting more comfortable with the car and the line that it liked the best. After a caution, I was able to keep up with the field and ended up coming home 7th. After the first week, the changes we made helped the car, but there are still some things we need to sort out by the next race which is Sunday, May 24! Sandusky Speedway will be paying a $1000 to win the Modified feature, so they are expecting a full field of cars. Racing starts at 7pm, with gates opening at 4pm, and qualifying at 5pm. Ticket prices can be found on the Sandusky Speedway website! I have to thank my cousin Rob and his son Owen for coming out to help again this week! We wouldn't have been able to get everything done between races without your help.
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